This is the third revision of Allegany County’s Comprehensive Plan, first updated in 2008. It provides a framework for growth and development objectives on a countywide level. The Plan Update takes a broader approach than individual municipal plans, and yet it has been extremely successful in its approach to collaboration with the 29 towns and 10 villages in Allegany County. The update process included outreach tools, such as surveys, public forums, and meetings with the local governments. The Plan Update was prepared entirely in-house by the Allegany County Office of Planning working closely with the Comprehensive Planning Committee, and after numerous opportunities for public comment and draft Plan revisions, the Plan Update was adopted by the Allegany County Board of Legislators in September 2019.
The Plan is noted especially for its innovative reader friendly design, outstanding attention to detail, and success in collaborating across numerous organizations and entities. The Plan includes four specific action areas: economic development, community and rural character, infrastructure, and government, all with clearly stated objectives and strategies with a well presented list of implementation priorities. Inter-municipal cooperation and coordination is a major focus of the Plan. Congratulations to the Allegany County government for its well prepared and user friendly Plan Update and for understanding that a successful comprehensive planning process is ever evolving and that regular updates with full public participation can result in a continually improving Plan.
The Allegany County Comprehensive Plan was prepared with a Comprehensive Planning Committee chaired by Charles Jessup. Additional committee members were Gary Barnes, Edward Eicher, Rich Ewell, Aaron Dale Foster, Jon Gorton, Lee Gridley, Michael Johnsen, John Ricci, and Debra Root. Staff in addition to Director of Planning Kier Dirlam that worked very hard on this preparation of the plan was Angela McKay – Assistant Director of Economic Development and Planning and Michelle Denhoff – Planning and Development Specialist, Craig Clark – IDA Executive Director. The Allegany County Legislature approved the plan September 9, 2019.
NEW YORK PLANNING FEDERATION is a non-profit membership organization established in 1937. Our mission is to promote sound planning and zoning practice throughout New York State. Membership, which currently includes nearly 10,000 individuals, is open to anyone supporting this mission. Membership categories include municipalities, counties, public organizations, private businesses, individuals, and libraries.
